Excavation of Kokkuthoduvai mass grave commenced for third time

File pix: Kokkuthoduvai mass grave

The excavation process of the Kokkuthoduvai mass grave in Mullaithivu commenced today (July 4) following a directive issued by the Mullaithivu Magistrate Court on May 16. 

This would be the third stage of the excavation process after it was put on hold for several months in the past due to shortage of funds by government authorities. Later, the Ministry of Justice took steps to allocate provisions for the process through the District Secretariat in Mullaithivu. 

On June 29 last year, workers attached to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board who were engaged in laying water pipes found human remains and skeletons buried in Kokkuthoduvai area. 

So far, 40 human skeletons have been recovered from the site. The excavation process is monitored by Prof Raj Somadeva. The excavation process commenced today after the provisions were received by the Secretariat.